A Lanarkshire security guard who looked after One Direction at the start of their career has paid a poignant tribute to Liam Payne.
The pop star died tragically last week, aged 31, after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, sparking tributes from his One Direction bandmates, family and friends.
Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have said they are “devastated” over the singer’s death, while Cheryl, the mother of Liam’s seven-year-old son Bear, has opened up about her grief at an “indescribably painful time.”
Sharing a photo with One Direction from their 2013 Take Me Home Tour at Glasgow’s SECC, East Kilbride security guard Graham McKay posted: “Horrible news today about Liam Payne. Found this pic of us when they were just kiddies.”
Graham was part of One Direction’s security team for the band’s second headlining global concert tour. He also provided security for tragic X Factor presenter Caroline Flack and reinforced the “be kind” message following her sudden death in 2020.
Graham told Lanarkshire Live: “Not long after One Direction were on X Factor and they were on tour at the SECC I was part of the security team. They were all young kids excited about their future and what was to come.
“Out of all the boys, Harry and Liam were the ones I remember the most for being the most friendly and down to earth. I had lunch with Liam in catering at the SECC and he was asking what I did outside of security. I told him I promoted wrestling events and he was really interested in not only that, but just my life in general. We spent a few hours together just chilling and having a laugh.
“I think it’s tragic what has happened to what I remember as probably one of the nicest, most genuine people you could ever meet. The sort of guy that could be mates with anyone.
“I think they were shot into stardom so fast so young. Fans think it must be such an amazing life, but they cant go anywhere or do anything anymore. Once they have reached the 1D kind of level, simple things we take for granted – going a walk, going to the park, basically going anywhere in public – can’t be done without it being photographed and turned into a story.
“It must be horrific, and to have that at such a young age is really testing along with what would be a crazy schedule recording and performing.”
The singer, who shot to fame after joining the pop group on reality TV contest The X Factor in 2010 along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, was described as a “kind, funny and brave soul”.
Since the tragic news broke about Liam there has been a public outcry with celebrities and fans condemning press intrusion and calling for more regulation of the tabloids and social media.
Reinforcing the “be kind” message, Graham, who runs British Championship Wrestling, added: “Life is so short and stuff like this really makes you reflect and realise this that you never know what can happen or what’s going through a person’s mind behind closed doors.
“Be nice to each other in life and recognise signs that someone may simply need a chat, and that they may be struggling but putting a smile on in public.
“Did the industry do enough to support the stress put onto these young kids through their journey? This is a question that probably needs answered.
“A family has now lost a son and a child has lost its daddy.”
*If you are struggling with mental health or simply need to talk, help is available.
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